Small Mammal Services

We recommend twice yearly veterinary visits for all small mammals. During these visits your pet will be examined by a veterinarian to check for abnormalities, and we will discuss with you any concerns you may have. We will also advise you on how to best feed and care for your pet. A safe and stimulating environment along with an ideal diet will help your pet to avoid many common health complications, and live as long and happy a life as possible. Regular check-ups, blood screenings, and parasites testing allow us to catch underlying illnesses, decreases in organ function, and infections even before your pet shows signs of being sick.

We carry high quality food for rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rodents.

All rabbits should be vaccinated against rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). RHD is a fatal viral disease found in wild cottontail and jack rabbits that can spread to your rabbit via contaminated vegetables, shoes, or biting insects. The vaccine available in the United States is called Medgene RHDV2, and can be given to rabbits as young as 7 weeks old. The vaccine is initially administered as two doses three weeks apart, after which it is given annually.

Ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies and distemper. Canine distemper virus is shed by infected dogs, stable in the environment, and fatal to ferrets. Ferrets can also contract rabies, and vaccination against this disease is highly recommended. Unvaccinated ferrets that bite people may be required to be euthanized by local authorities. Ferrets need rabies vaccines yearly.

Our clinic has a digital radiography (X-ray) machine, which enables us to take high-quality radiographs on all our patients. Radiographs can identify fractured or dislocated bones and bladder or kidney stones, and can screen lungs, heart, and other organs for disease. X-rays can also help identify tumors, foreign bodies, arthritis, and more.

CT scans are a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays to create a detailed three dimensional image of an animal’s body. This allows for the evaluation of bones, teeth, organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. Intravenous contrast can be used during a CT scan to help differentiate soft tissues. We use CT scans to evaluate dental abscesses, nasal diseases, ear diseases, lung lesions, and more.

We offer soft tissue surgery and microsurgery services for all the pets we see. We have specialized monitoring equipment and highly trained technicians to ensure the safest possible anesthesia for your pet. Our specialized radiosurgical equipment ensures that blood loss during surgical procedures is kept to a minimum. Common surgeries we provide for small mammals include spaying and neutering, mass removals, wound repair, tooth root abscesses, and abscesses in other locations.

Our advanced analgesia protocols include local anesthesia, multimodal therapy, constant rate infusions, nerve blocks, and more. We work hard to make sure your pet’s experience with us is free of pain and anxiety.

Our hospital pharmacy is stocked with medications commonly prescribed for exotic pets. If we prescribe a medication that we don’t keep in-house, we will ensure that your prescription is filled by a reliable and accredited human pharmacy or compounding pharmacy.

Microchip identification is the most reliable way to reunite pet owners with their lost pets. We use the smallest size of microchips available, making implantation safe, easy, and quick. We commonly place microchips in rabbits, but they can be placed in any species.

When your small mammal needs specialized care, we are here to help. We offer intensive care for sick pets, including intravenous fluid administration, oxygen therapy, nutritional and heat support, nebulization, and necessary medications. Your pet’s hospitalization will be tailored to address his or her unique medical needs.